Desiccant air purification device

ABSTRACT

An air purification device includes a housing configured to house a desiccant material filter and a fan coupled to the housing and configured to cause airflow to pass through the desiccant material filter. Moisture is to be collected from the airflow by the desiccant material filter. The moisture is to be removed from the desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwave energy.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of Provisional Application No.63/166,033, filed Mar. 25, 2021, the entire content of which isincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to air purificationdevices, and in particular to desiccant air purification devices.

BACKGROUND

Air can include contaminants. Contaminants can include particulatematter, ground-level ozone, carbon, monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogendioxide, and lead. Other contaminants include microorganisms (e.g.,living and non-living) and agents that cause infectious diseases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereferences indicate similar elements. It should be noted that differentreferences to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are notnecessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at leastone.

FIGS. 1A-B are block diagrams illustrating air purification devices,according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate air purification devices, according to certainembodiments.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate air purification devices, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of using an air purification device,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system, according tocertain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described herein are related to desiccant air purificationdevices.

Safe breathable air is a basic human need. The safety of indoor air isnow one of the most important issues facing governments, businessoperators, and consumers worldwide. Even before the severe acuterespiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (e.g., coronavirusdisease 2019 (COVID-19), novel coronavirus) crisis began, indoor airquality was recognized as an emerging global health issue. The WorldHealth Organization has estimated that one in every eight people die dueto factors attributable to poor indoor air. However, since most of thesedeaths occur in developing countries, indoor air safety has not been afocus of global attention until the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air can include many contaminants including particulate matter (e.g.,particles), ground-level ozone, carbon, monoxide, sulfur dioxide,nitrogen dioxide, lead, microorganisms (e.g., living and non-livingorganisms), viruses, allergens, and agents. Contaminants in the air canharm human health, harm the environment, and cause property damage.

Contaminants in the air can include microorganisms and pathogens.Microorganisms (e.g., microscopic organisms) live in almost everyhabitat around the world. Pathogens (e.g., infectious agent, somethingthat causes a disease, living and non-living organisms, etc.) includeinfectious microorganisms and agents, such as virus (e.g., non-envelopedvirus, enveloped virus), bacterium, protozoan, prion, viroid, andfungus. For example, some pathogenic bacteria cause diseases such asplague, tuberculosis, and anthrax. In another example, some protozoanparasites cause diseases such as malaria, sleeping sickness, dysentery,and toxoplasmosis. In another example, some fungi cause diseases such asring worm, candidiasis, or histoplasmosis. Some pathogenic viruses causeinfluenza virus (e.g., the flu), yellow fever, COVID-19, and the like.COVID-19 and other diseases such as influenza and the common cold havebeen shown to be readily transmitted by airborne pathogens.

Contaminants (e.g., pathogens) can be spread via moisture droplets.Moisture droplets (e.g., respiratory droplets) can be produced (e.g.,exhaled) by talking, singling, breathing, coughing, sneezing, etc. Themoisture droplets travel through the air and some contaminate surfaces.People can become infected by coming into contact with the moisturedroplets in the air or by touching a contaminated surface and thentouching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, and/or mouth). In some instances,pathogens may be spread by an infected person before and while showingsymptoms.

Some pathogens (e.g., the influenza virus) spread around the world inperiodical outbreaks, resulting in millions of cases of severe illnessand hundreds of thousands of deaths. Some pathogens have vaccines orspecific antiviral treatments, while others do not. Pandemics (e.g.,COVID-19) are spread by a pathogen causing a disease across a largeregion, affecting a substantial number of people within a short periodof time.

Conventionally, to avoid spreading disease caused by contaminantscarried by moisture droplets, normal guidelines are for people to covertheir mouth when coughing and sneezing, stay home when sick, and washtheir hands often. While this may reduce some spread of disease, noteveryone follows these guidelines, moisture droplets containingcontaminants can still spread via talking and breathing, andcontaminants (e.g., pathogens) can be spread by an infected personbefore showing symptoms.

Conventionally, filters may be used (e.g., in building ventilationsystems, in vehicle ventilation systems, etc.) to improve air quality.Conventional approaches are only partial solutions. Conventional filterscapture but do not destroy contaminants (e.g., so that the contaminantsno longer pose a threat) and require frequent replacement adding costand creating a disposal hazard. Conventional filters are unable tocapture small particles (e.g., smaller than 30 nm in size). Viruses likeCOVID-19 are small in size (e.g., significantly smaller than 30 nm) andare often found in droplets and particles also small in size (e.g.,smaller than 30 nm in size) and can escape even the most robustconventional filtration systems. Further, as trapped moisture dropletsdry and break-up, fragments can escape the filter and pose a significantadditional infection risk. Some conventional filtration systems arefundamentally slow, often requiring hours to clean a room-size spaceafter a single contamination. As a result, conventional approaches areunsuited for real-world applications. Because there is no effectivemeans of neutralizing airborne COVID-19 available today, governmentsworldwide have been forced to implement policies to mitigate the spreadof the disease, causing devastating economic damage and leavingbusinesses and consumers frantically searching for solutions. As such,there is an immediate and unmet need for air purifying products that caneffectively destroy airborne contaminants like COVID-19.

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein provide an airpurification device (e.g., desiccant air purification device, airpurification system). The air purification device includes a housingconfigured to house a desiccant material filter (e.g., that includessilica gel, a polyacrylate, etc.). In some embodiments, the airpurification device includes a fan coupled to the housing and configuredto cause airflow to pass thorough the desiccant material filter. Thedesiccant material collects moisture (e.g., and contaminants in themoisture) from the airflow. The moisture is removed from the desiccantmaterial filter via heat and/or microwave energy. The contaminants inthe moisture are destroyed via the heat and/or microwave energy. Theremoving of moisture (e.g., and destroying the contaminants) from thedesiccant material filter may be referred to as regenerating thedesiccant material filter.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is configured to beremovably inserted in the housing of the air purification device. Afteruse of the air purification device, the desiccant material filter isremoved from the housing and the desiccant material filter is exposed toheat and/or microwave energy to remove the moisture

In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is placed in aregeneration device to regenerate (e.g., remove the moisture and/orcontaminants from) the desiccant material filter. In some examples, theregeneration device is a microwave oven and the desiccant materialfilter is placed in a microwave oven for a threshold amount of time at athreshold power setting (e.g., about 2 to 5 minutes at about 800-1000Watts (W)). In some examples, the regeneration device is a microwaveoven and the desiccant material filter is placed in an oven (e.g.,kitchen oven) for a threshold amount of time at a threshold temperature(e.g., about 1-3 hours at about 250 degrees Fahrenheit). In someembodiments, the air purification device is placed in the regenerationdevice.

In some embodiments, an indication is provided of when to regenerate thedesiccant material filter. In some examples, the air purification devicehas a controller that provides an alert to regenerate the desiccantmaterial filter after a threshold amount of time, after a thresholdamount of use of the air purification device, or based on sensor data(e.g., humidity data, electrical data of the desiccant material filtersuch as resistance data or voltage data of the desiccant materialfilter, etc.). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the desiccantmaterial filter (e.g., spherical beads of silica gel, a polyacrylate,powder, etc.) is a first color when in a substantially dry state and isa second color when in a substantially saturated state (e.g., when thedesiccant material filter is to be regenerated).

In some embodiments, the air purification device is a portable devicethat can be placed on a table, desk, cup holder, floor, etc. In someembodiments, the air purification device is configured to be mounted tothe wall. In some embodiments, the air purification device is configuredto be cover at least a portion of the face of a user (e.g., is a facemask, a face shield, a helmet, etc.).

The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein have advantages overconventional solutions. The air purification device of the presentdisclosure removes more contaminants (e.g., disposed in moisture) fromthe air than conventional solutions. The air purification device of thepresent disclosure uses a desiccant material filter that is configuredto be regenerated and reused which increases efficiency and reduceswaste compared to conventional solutions. In some embodiments, the airpurification device of the present disclosure is portable and providesgreater reduction of contaminants than conventional solutions. Thecontaminants collected by the desiccant material filter of the airpurification device of the present disclosure are destroyed compared toconventional solutions that do not destroy contaminants. This allows theair purification device to improve health and improve the indoorenvironment compared to conventional systems.

FIGS. 1A-B are block diagrams illustrating air purification devices 100(e.g., desiccant air purification device), according to certainembodiments.

Air purification device 100 includes a housing 110 configured to house adesiccant material filter 120. The housing 110 may form an inlet 112,outlet 114, and cavity that are fluidly coupled to each other. Thedesiccant material filter 120 may be disposed in the cavity. Airflow mayenter the inlet 112, go through the desiccant material filter 120 in thecavity, and exit through the outlet 114.

The desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., at a substantially dry state,at an unsaturated state, prior to achieving a substantially saturatedstate) collects moisture (e.g., that contains contaminants) from airflowpassing through the housing 110. After a threshold amount of moisture iscollected, the desiccant material filter 120 becomes substantiallysaturated (e.g., cannot collect more moisture from the airflow). Thedesiccant material filter 120 is regenerated (e.g., reactivated,re-dried, recharged, reconditioned, etc.) by being exposed to heatand/or microwave energy to remove the moisture from the desiccantmaterial filter 120.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is regenerated bybeing placed a regenerating device. In some embodiments, theregeneration device is a microwave oven, kitchen oven, standalonerecharging base (e.g., heating or microwave energy generating devicethat is configured to receive the desiccant material filter 120 andregenerate the desiccant material filter via heat and/or microwaveenergy), etc.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is regenerated bybeing placed in a heating device (e.g., kitchen oven) for about 1-5hours at about 200-300° F. In some embodiments, desiccant materialfilter 120 is regenerated by being placed in a microwave energygenerating device (e.g., microwave oven) for about 2-5 minutes at about800-1000 W.

In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 is placed in aregenerating device (e.g., microwave oven, kitchen oven, etc.) andreceives heat and/or microwave energy (e.g., without removing thedesiccant material filter 120 from the housing 110) to regenerate thedesiccant material filter 120. In some examples, the air purificationdevice 100 does not include metal and is configured to be placed in amicrowave oven to receive microwave energy. In some examples, theportion of the air purification device 100 that is placed in themicrowave oven does not include metal (e.g., includes one or more offabric, plastic, ceramic, etc.). In some examples, the portion of theair purification device 100 that is placed in a heating device does notinclude heat-sensitive materials.

In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 includes aregeneration component 140 (e.g., heating component, microwave energygenerator) coupled to the housing 110 (e.g., disposed in the housing110) that provides the heat and/or microwave energy to regenerate thedesiccant material filter 120. In some embodiments, the regenerationcomponent 140 provides microwave energy (e.g., microwaves) atradiofrequency energies selected from the range of about 500 to 5000MHz. In some embodiments, the regeneration component 140 providesmicrowave energy (e.g., microwaves) from about 850 MHz to about 2450GHz. The air purification device 100 may operate continuing cycles ofadsorption (e.g., airflow without microwave energy) and desorption(e.g., microwave energy with or without airflow). In some embodiments,the microwave energy is employed at about 1000 watts.

In some embodiments, desiccant material filter 120 is removed from theair purification device 100 and placed in a regenerating device (e.g.,microwave oven, kitchen oven, etc.) that provides the heat and/ormicrowave energy to regenerate desiccant material filter 120 and thendesiccant material filter 120 is re-inserted in the housing 110 of theair purification device 100. In some examples, the desiccant materialfilter 120 does not include metal and is configured to be placed in amicrowave oven to receive microwave energy. In some embodiments,microwave energy causes the moisture in the desiccant material filter120 to become steam and the steam destroys the contaminants (e.g., thedesiccant material filter 120 is not directly heated by the microwaveenergy which may prevent loss of efficiency of the desiccant materialfilter 120).

In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 includes anenclosure 122 and a handling feature 124 coupled to the enclosure 122.The handling feature 124 is configured to be secured (e.g., grasped byfingers of a user) to move (e.g., remove, place, pick up, re-insert) thedesiccant material filter 120 without touching the desiccant material126 (e.g., or other parts of the desiccant material filter 120).Desiccant material 126 is disposed in the enclosure 122. In someembodiments, at least a portion of the enclosure 122 is at leastpartially transparent to be able to view the desiccant material 126.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is a packet ofsilica gel and/or a polyacrylate that has a dimension (e.g., length,diameter, etc.) of about 12 inches. In some embodiments, the desiccantmaterial filter 120 is a pillow of about 10 to 12 inches (e.g., length)by about 6 inches (e.g., width). In some embodiments, the desiccantmaterial filter 120 is placed on a tray to be inserted into the cavityformed by the housing 110 of the air purification device 100.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 122 is one or more of a sachet, aporous bag, a fabric enclosure, or porous packet. In some embodiments,the enclosure 122 substantially retains a shape that substantiallymatches the cavity of the housing 110.

In some embodiments, the handling feature 124 is part of the enclosure122. The handling feature 124 may include a protrusion configured to besecured by a user to move (e.g., remove, insert) the desiccant materialfilter 120 without touching the desiccant material 126.

The desiccant material 126 may induce or sustain a state of dryness(e.g., desiccation) in vicinity of the desiccant material 126. Thedesiccant material 126 may be hygroscopic (e.g., attract and hold watermolecules via absorption or adsorption from the surroundingenvironment). The desiccant material 126 may be hydrophilic (e.g.,attracts water molecules).

In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes one or more ofsilica (SiO₂), silica gel, a polyacrylate, sodium polyacrylates,super-absorbent polymer (SAP), anionic polyelectrolyte, potassium SAP,lithium SAP, ammonium SAP, super-absorbent nanofiber (SAN), poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) (polymer matrix), SAP combined with PVA, hydrogel,clay-polymer hydrogel, clay, polyethylene oxide (PEO), sodiumpolyacrylates (PAAS), metal ions, chitosan, chitosan/sodiumpolyacrylates polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels (CPG), epichlorohydrin(ECH), activated charcoal, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, molecularsieve (e.g., zeolite), and/or the like. In some embodiments, thedesiccant material 126 is a coating on a material. For example, thedesiccant material 126 can be sprayed as resin on fiber. In someembodiments, the desiccant material 126 is a coating for a fibrousfilter (e.g., a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, fibrousfilter with coating of desiccant material, HEPA filter with a coating ofdesiccant material, etc.). In some embodiments, the desiccant material126 is disposed in an enclosure (e.g., perforated enclosure, bag,enclosure similar to a flour bag, etc.). In some embodiments, thedesiccant material 126 has anti-microbial features. In some embodiments,the desiccant material 126 collects contaminants and the contaminantsare destroyed via one or more of heat, microwave energy, and/or materialproperties of the desiccant material 126.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes spherical beads(e.g., of silica gel, polyacrylates, etc.) that are about 1-8millimeters (mm) in diameter (e.g., 2-5 mm, 3-5 mm, or 4-8 mm indiameter). In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includepowder (e.g., about 100 to 500 microns in diameter). In someembodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes different sizes ofmaterial (e.g., two or more of powder, beads, pellets, etc.). In someembodiments, the desiccant material 126 is formed into shapes (e.g.,capsules, pellets, etc.) that are adhered to each other (e.g., gluedtogether) or placed in a semipermeable membrane. In some embodiments,the desiccant material 126 is placed in a structure (e.g., honeycombstructure). The structure may be made of ceramic, aluminum mesh, etc.The structure may be coated. In some examples, a structure formscavities (e.g., hexagon-shaped, pentagon-shaped, rectangular-shaped,etc.) and the desiccant material 126 (e.g., in the form of pills,capsules, pellets, beads, powder, etc.) is placed in the cavities of thestructure. The structure may conduct heat through the desiccant material126 evenly.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 can have an adsorptioncapacity of about 20-50%. In some embodiments, the desiccant material126 can absorb about 20-50% (e.g., about 40%) moisture of its weight inwater vapor. In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 changescolor when changing from a substantially dry state (e.g., substantiallyunsaturated state) to a substantially saturated state.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 may include a powderthat is a mixture of silica gel, polyacrylates, alumina zeolites, metaloxide, silicon carbide, and/or the like. The powder may be formed into apellet, enclosed in a capsule (e.g., heatable capsule), etc. Thedesiccant material 126 is configured to one or more of receive heat,absorb moisture, absorb VOCs, etc.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes silica gel andmethyl-violet and is orange or light red at a substantially dry state(e.g., substantially moisture free, unsaturated state, etc.) and is darkgreen to black at a substantially saturated state (e.g., moisture). Thedesiccant material 126 may change color from orange to green whensaturated with moisture to about 15% by weight.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material 126 includes silica gel andcobalt chloride (CoCl₂) (e.g., a heavy metal salt) and is a deep-bluecolor at a substantially dry state (e.g., moisture free) and is pink ata substantially saturated state (e.g., moisture). Anhydrous cobaltchloride is blue and then turns purple when cobalt chloride bonds withtwo water molecules (CoCl₂.2H₂O). Further hydration results in the pinkhexaaquacobalt(II) chloride complex [Co(H₂O)₆]Cl₂. The desiccantmaterial 126 may change color from blue to pink as it becomes saturated.

In some embodiments, the housing 110 has an access component 116 (e.g.,door, latch, removable pane, etc.). The access component 116 may beactuated (e.g., opened, removed, at least partially removed) to removethe desiccant material filter 120 from the housing 110 and to re-insertthe desiccant material filter 120 into the housing 110. In someembodiments, the access component 116 is secured to the desiccantmaterial filter 120. In some embodiments, the access component 116 isthe handling feature 124 of the desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., andis at least partially transparent so that at least a portion of thedesiccant material 126 is viewable from outside the air purificationdevice 100). In some embodiments, the access component 116 is separatefrom the desiccant material filter 120.

At least a portion of the housing 110 (e.g., access component 116) andat least a portion of the enclosure 122 of the desiccant material filter120 may be at least partially transparent to allow viewing the desiccantmaterial 126 to determine if the desiccant material filter 120 is to beregenerated.

In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 includes one ormore electrical components that are electrically coupled. The airpurification device 100 may include electrical components including oneor more of a fan 130, a regeneration component 140, a user interface142, a power source 144, one or more sensors 146, a wireless component148, a controller 150, and/or one or more additional components 160. Thecontroller 150 may control and communication with one or more of theelectrical components.

The power source 144 may provide power for one or more of the electricalcomponents. In some embodiments, the power source 144 includes a battery(e.g., rechargeable battery, disposable battery). In some embodiments,the power source 144 includes a solar power generator. In someembodiments, the power source 144 is coupled to an electrical port 118to receive power. The electrical port 118 may be a port configured toreceive a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a micro USB cable, a USBType-C cable, and/or the like. The power source 144 may be coupled to anelectrical conduit that is configured to be connected to an electricaloutlet for operation of the air purification device 100.

In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 includes a fan 130to cause airflow to pass through the desiccant material filter 120. Thefan 130 may cause airflow to enter the inlet 112, pass through thedesiccant material filter 120 disposed in the cavity of the housing 110,and exit through the outlet 114. In some embodiments, the fan isreversible to cause air to switch between entering the inlet 112,passing through the desiccant material filter 120, and exiting throughthe outlet 114 and entering the outlet 114, passing through thedesiccant material filter 120, and exiting through the inlet 112. Insome embodiments, the outlet 114 is configured to provide the filteredairflow proximate a face of the user.

The regeneration component 140 may be a heating component and/or amicrowave energy generator that provides the heat and/or microwaveenergy to regenerate the desiccant material filter 120. The controller150 may cause the regeneration component 140 to generate heat and/ormicrowave energy periodically (e.g., after a threshold amount of time,after a threshold amount of use). The controller 150 may cause theregeneration component 140 to generate heat and/or microwave energybased on sensor data from sensors 146. The controller 150 may cause theregeneration component 140 to generate heat and/or microwave energyresponsive to user input via the user interface 142 or wirelesscomponent 148. The regeneration component 140 may be disposed proximatethe desiccant material filter 120. The controller 150 may cause the fan130 to provide airflow in conjunction with (e.g., during, before, after,etc.) the regeneration component 140 providing heat and/or microwaveenergy.

The user interface 142 may be one or more of a button, a switch, adisplay unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display), one or morelight emitting diodes (LEDs), and or the like. The user interface 142may display one or more of an operation schedule, moisture content(e.g., percent saturation, etc.) of the desiccant material filter 120,battery level of power source 144, operation time left (e.g., untilpower source 144 is depleted, until desiccant material filter 120 issubstantially saturated), sensor data, whether the air purificationdevice 100 is currently operating, etc. In some examples, the userinterface includes one or more LEDs that indicate when the desiccantmaterial filter 120 is to be regenerated (e.g., is substantiallysaturated) and/or when the power source 144 is to be recharged (e.g.,the battery level is below a threshold battery level). In someembodiments, the user interface 142 receives user input (e.g., tocontrol one or more of the electrical components).

The wireless component 148 may communicate data between the controller150 and other devices (e.g., other air purification devices, a userdevice, a server device, a smartphone, a computer, etc.). In someembodiments, the wireless component 148 transmits data (e.g., sensordata, operation data, etc.) to other devices. In some embodiments, thewireless component 148 receives user input (e.g., to control one or moreof the electrical components).

The user interface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may receive userinput to actuate (e.g., turn on, turn off, increase speed, decreasespeed, set for a period of time) the fan 130. The user interface 142and/or wireless component 148 may receive user input to actuate (e.g.,turn on, turn off, adjust heat, adjust power level of microwave energy,set for a period of time, etc.) the regeneration component 140. The userinterface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may receive user input toset a schedule (e.g., points in time to actuate fan 130, regenerationcomponent 140, and/or one or more additional components 160). The userinterface 142 and/or wireless component 148 may receive user input toactuate (e.g., turn on, turn off, adjust, set for a period of time,etc.) the one or more additional components 160.

The sensors 146 may provide sensor data to the controller 150. Thesensor data may include one or more of temperature, pressure, airflowrate, humidity level, amount of contaminants, data associated with typeof contaminants, data associated with off gassing of contaminants,resistance data of the desiccant material filter 120, voltage data ofthe desiccant material filter 120, etc.

The controller 150 may include a processing device and memory (e.g., anon-transitory machine-readable storage medium that stores instructionsthat when executed by a processing device, cause the processing deviceto perform one or more of operations). The controller may be a computersystem 500 of FIG. 5.

The controller 150 may be configured to provide an alert via userinterface 142 and/or wireless component 140 (e.g., to perform acorrective action, regenerate the desiccant material filter, charge thepower source 144, add water to a humidifier component, a thresholdamount of contaminants in the airflow, etc.) based on sensor data fromsensors. The sensor data may include humidity data, electrical data ofthe desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., resistance data or voltage dataof the desiccant material filter 120, etc.), weight of the desiccantmaterial filter 120, change in sensor data, etc.

The air purification device 100 may include one or more additionalcomponents 160. The additional components 160 may include a humidifiercomponent, a filtration component, an ionizing component, and/or thelike. In some embodiments, a humidity level of the airflow is to beincreased via an additional component 160 (e.g., the humidifiercomponent) subsequent to passing through the desiccant material filter120. The desiccant material filter 120 may collect existing moisture(e.g., and contaminants in the moisture) in the airflow and thehumidifier component may then increase the humidity in the airflow(e.g., viruses may be harder to transmit at higher humidity level). Insome embodiments, an additional component 160 (e.g., filtrationcomponent such as an ultra violet light filtration component) isconfigured to destroy contaminants in the humidifier component. In someembodiments, an additive is added to the airflow after passing throughthe desiccant material filter 120. For example, the humidifier componentmay include one or more additives (e.g., peroxide) in water in a waterreservoir that are configured to kill aerosolized contaminants orcontaminants on surfaces proximate the air purification device 100. Insome embodiments, the airflow is to be ionized via an additionalcomponent 160 (e.g., the ionizing component) subsequent to passingthrough the desiccant material filter 120.

In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 uses one or moreproducts (e.g., desiccant material filter 120, etc.) and/or one or moreprocesses (e.g., using heat and/or microwave to destroy contaminantscollected by the desiccant material filter 120) relating to COVID-19(e.g., destroying COVID-19 from the airflow, destroying COVID-19 trappedin the desiccant material filter 120) that is subject to an applicableFood and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) approval for COVID-19 use.

The air purification device 100 may be one or more of a portable device,a mountable device, insertable in a ventilation system, insertable inductwork of a ventilation system, a face mask, a helmet, etc.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate air purification devices 100, according to certainembodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2A, air purification device 100 may be portable andconfigured to be disposed on a substantially horizontal surface. Forexample, air purification device 100 can be disposed on a table, desk,night stand, floor, chair, etc. The air purification device 100 may beconfigured to be disposed in a vehicle (e.g., configured to fit in a cupholder, etc.). The air purification device 100 can be used in a widevariety of locations to improve indoor air quality. Airflow 210 mayenter at a lower portion of the air purification device 100 and may exitat an upper portion of the air purification device 100.

Referring to FIG. 2B, air purification device 100 may be configured tobe mounted on a substantially vertical surface (e.g., on a wall). Theair purification device 100 may be mounted on a wall in a room (e.g.,office, bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc.) wherein indoor air qualityis to be improved. Airflow 210 may enter at a lower portion of the airpurification device 100 and may exit at an upper or lateral portion ofthe air purification device 100. As shown in FIG. 2B, a rear surface,side surface, upper surface, and/or lower surface of the airpurification device 100 may be mounted to a substantially verticalsurface.

Referring to FIG. 2C, air purification device 100 may be coupled to aventilation unit 200 (e.g., heating ventilation and air conditioning(HVAC) unit, building ventilation unit, vehicle ventilation unit, etc.).The air purification device may be disposed in the ventilation unit 200and/or in the ducting 202 coupled to the ventilation unit 200. Ducting202 may include one or more of supply air ducting, return air ducting,outside air ducting, piping, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 is disposed insidethe airflow within the ventilation unit 200 (e.g., before or after theheat exchanger and/or cooling coil). By disposing the air purificationdevice 100 before the heat exchanger and/or cooling coil, the airpurification device 100 may prevent contaminants from damaging orsoiling the heat exchanger and/or cooling coil. By locating the airpurification device 100 after the heat exchanger and/or cooling coil,the desiccant material filter of the air purification device 100 mayregenerated less often (e.g., other components of the ventilation unit200 remove some of the contaminants from the airflow). In someembodiments, the ventilation unit 200 provides the airflow through theair purification device 100 (e.g., the air purification device 100 maynot include a fan).

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate air purification devices 100, according to certainembodiments. In some embodiments, air purification device 100 isconfigured to at least partially cover a face of a user (e.g., cover atleast the nose and mouth of the user).

Referring to FIGS. 3A-B, the air purification device 100 may have ahousing 110 that is a flexible material (e.g., fabric) that isconfigured to conform to a face of a user. The air purification device100 may have attaching components 310 coupled to the housing 110 toattach the air purification device 100 to a user (e.g., elastic loopsthat fit over the ears, cords configured to attach to each other at arear of the head or neck of the user, etc.).

A desiccant material filter 120 may be disposed in the housing 110(e.g., in a cavity formed by the fabric housing) of the air purificationdevice 100. In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 isconfigured to be removed from the air purification device 100 (e.g.,face mask) to be regenerated via heat and/or microwave energy. In someembodiments, the desiccant material filter 120 is configured to beregenerated via heat and/or microwave energy while being disposed in theair purification device 100 (e.g., the face mask housing the desiccantmaterial filter 120 is placed in a microwave oven and receives microwaveenergy, the air purification device 100 does not include metal).

Referring to FIG. 3A, air inhaled by the user and air exhaled by theuser may pass through the desiccant material filter 120. In someembodiments, the air purification device 100 includes one or more valves(e.g., one-way valves, release valves) so that air to be inhaled by theuser (e.g., airflow provided from ambient air) passes through thedesiccant material filter 120 and air exhaled by the user (e.g., airflowprovided from the user to ambient air) does not pass through thedesiccant material filter 120 (e.g., passes through fabric of thehousing 110 without going through the desiccant material filter 120).This may reduce how often the desiccant material filter 120 is to beregenerated (e.g., the desiccant material filter 120 does not receivethe moisture exhaled by the user.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the air purification device 100 may include aninlet filter 302 and an outlet filter 304. The air purification device100 may include one or more valves (e.g., one way valves) so that air tobe inhaled by the user (e.g., airflow provided form ambient air) passesthrough the inlet filter 302 and airflow exhaled by the user (e.g.,airflow provided from the user to ambient air) passes through the outletfilter 304. In some embodiments, the inlet filter 302 is a desiccantmaterial filter 120. The airflow is to be provided from ambient air,through the desiccant material filter 120 (e.g., inlet filter 302), andto the user. The outlet filter 304 may be the same or a different typeof filter (e.g., a non-desiccant material filter that would not becomesaturated with moisture from the user, a cloth filter). The secondairflow (e.g., exhaled air) is to be provided from the user, through theoutlet filter 304 (e.g., a second filter, cloth filter), and to theambient air without passing through the desiccant material filter 120.

Referring to FIG. 3C, the air purification device 100 may include aninlet filter 302, an outlet filter, and one or more fans 140. The airpurification device 100 may be provided over at least the nose and mouthof the user. In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 isprovided over the nose, mouth, and eyes of the user. In someembodiments, the air purification device 100 is provided over the faceof the user. In some embodiments, the air purification device 100 isprovided over the head of the user (e.g., similar to a full facehelmet). The air purification device 100 may form a substantially sealedvolume where airflow into the volume comes through an inlet filter 302and airflow out of the volume goes through an outlet filter 304 (e.g.,the air purification device 100 is substantially sealed against the neckof the user).

A fan 130 may be disposed in the air purification device 100 proximatethe inlet filter 302 (e.g., desiccant material filter 120) to provideairflow from ambient air through the inlet filter 302. A fan 130 may bedisposed in the air purification device 100 proximate the outlet filter304 (e.g., another type of filter, non-desiccant material filter) toprovide airflow from the user (e.g., exhaled air) through the outletfilter 304 to the ambient air. In some embodiments, a first fan 130 isdisposed proximate the inlet filter 302 and a second fan 130 is disposedproximate the outlet filter 304. In some embodiments a fan 130 isdisposed proximate the inlet filter 302 to draw air into the airpurification device 100 from ambient air to pressurize the airpurification device 100 to force air out through the outlet filter 304.In some embodiments a fan 130 is disposed proximate the outlet filter304 to provide airflow to the ambient air from the air purificationdevice 100 to provide a negative pressure in the volume to pull air inthrough the outlet filter 304.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of using an air purification device(e.g., air purification device 100), according to certain embodiments.In some embodiments, one or more operations of method 400 are performedby processing logic that includes hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicatedlogic, programmable logic, microcode, processing device, etc.), software(such as instructions run on a processing device, a general purposecomputer system, or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or acombination thereof. In some embodiment, one or more operations ofmethod 400 are performed, at least in part, by a controller of an airpurification device. In some embodiments, a non-transitorymachine-readable storage medium stores instructions that when executedby a processing device (e.g., of the controller 150 of the airpurification device 100, etc.), cause the processing device to performone or more operations of method 400.

For simplicity of explanation, method 400 is depicted and described as aseries of operations. However, operations in accordance with thisdisclosure can occur in various orders and/or concurrently and withother operations not presented and described herein. Furthermore, insome embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed toimplement method 400 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. Inaddition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate thatmethod 400 could alternatively be represented as a series ofinterrelated states via a state diagram or events.

Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, at block 402, a desiccantmaterial filter is inserted in a cavity formed by the housing of an airpurification device. In some embodiments, the desiccant material filteris removably inserted into the housing. An access component (e.g., door,port, latch, etc.) may be actuated to insert the desiccant materialfilter into the cavity of the housing and may be actuated (e.g., closed,locked, secured, etc.) after the desiccant material filter is insertedinto the housing (e.g., seal the opening through which the desiccantmaterial filter passed to enter the cavity). In some embodiments, theaccess component is a portion of the desiccant material filter (e.g., isattached to the enclosure of the desiccant material filter) and sealsthe opening through which the desiccant material filter passes to enterthe cavity.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is permanentlyinserted into the cavity of the housing of the air purification device.In some examples, the housing and/or access component may be permanentlysecured together (e.g., sewed, melted, push fit, attached via fasteners,etc.) after the desiccant material filter is inserted into the cavity.

In some embodiments, the air purification device is a portable devicethat is configured to be placed on a substantially horizontal surface.In some embodiments, the air purification device is configured to bemounted to a surface (e.g., a wall, etc.). In some embodiments, the airpurification device is configured to be worn by a user (e.g., to coverat least the mouth and nose of the user, as a face mask, as a helmet,etc.).

In some embodiments, at block 404, a fan coupled to the housing isactuated to provide airflow through the desiccant material filterdisposed in the cavity. In some embodiments, the fan is attached to thehousing. In some embodiments, the fan is disposed in the housing. Insome embodiments, the fan is actuated via user input via a userinterface of the air purification device. In some embodiments, the fanis actuated via user input via another device which is received via awireless component of the air purification device. In some embodiments,the fan is actuated by a controller of the air purification device basedon a schedule stored in memory, timer, or sensor data received fromsensors (e.g., coupled to or disposed in housing of the air purificationdevice).

In some embodiments, the fan is external to the air purification device.In some examples, the air purification device is disposed in aventilation system (e.g., building ventilation system, HVAC system,furnace, cooling coil unit, heat exchanger, roof top unit, air handler,vehicle cabin ventilation system, etc.) or in ducting of the airpurification system and the fan of the ventilation system providesairflow through the air purification device.

The fan causes airflow containing moisture and contaminants disposed inthe moisture to enter the inlet of the housing, pass through the cavityof the housing where the desiccant material filter is disposed, and exitthrough the outlet of the housing. As the airflow passes through thedesiccant material filter, the desiccant material filter collects themoisture and the contaminants disposed in the moisture.

In some embodiments, at block 406, the desiccant material filter isremoved from the cavity of the housing of the air purification device.In some embodiments, the air purification device provides an alert thatthe desiccant material filter is to be removed (e.g., is substantiallysaturated) and regenerated. In some embodiments, a controller of the airpurification device provides an alert via the user interface or via thewireless component to a user device that the desiccant material filteris to be regenerated. In some embodiments, the controller provides thealert based on a timer (e.g., after a threshold amount of time thedesiccant material filter is to be regenerated), based on usage (e.g.,after a threshold amount of use the desiccant material filter is to beregenerated), based on sensor data (e.g., from a humidity sensor,imaging data, weight data, electrical data of the desiccant materialfilter such as resistance or voltage measured across the desiccantmaterial filter, etc.), and/or the like. In some embodiments, thedesiccant material filter provides a visual indication as it changesfrom a substantially dry state to a substantially saturated state. Insome examples, the desiccant material filter is a first color when in asubstantially dry state and is a second color when in a substantiallysaturated state.

At block 408, the moisture is caused to be removed from the desiccantmaterial filter via one or more of heat or microwave energy. As themoisture is removed, the contaminants in the moisture are destroyed viathe heat and/or microwave energy. Removal of the moisture from (e.g.,and accompanying destruction of contaminants in the moisture) thedesiccant material filter may be referred to as one or more ofregeneration, reactivation, recharging, re-drying, etc. of the desiccantmaterial filter.

In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is placed in aregeneration device (e.g., microwave oven, kitchen oven, heating device,microwave energy generating device) to receive the heat and/or microwaveenergy subsequent to being removed from the air purification device(e.g., the desiccant material filter does not include materials that aresensitive to heat and/or microwave energy, the desiccant material filterdoes not include metal).

In some embodiments, the air purification device housing the desiccantmaterial filter is placed in a regeneration device (e.g., microwaveoven, kitchen oven, heating device, microwave energy generating device)to receive the heat and/or microwave energy (e.g., without removing thedesiccant material filter, the air purification device does not includematerials that are sensitive to heat and/or microwave energy, the airpurification device does not include metal). In some examples, the airpurification device is a face mask that does not include metal (e.g.,includes one or more of fabric, plastic, nylon, etc.) and the face maskis placed in a microwave oven to regenerate the desiccant materialfilter (e.g., that is sewn into the face mask). In some embodiments, aportion of the air purification device (e.g., housing that includes thedesiccant material filter, the non-metal portion of the air purificationdevice) is placed in a regeneration device (e.g., the portion of the airpurification device does not include metal).

In some embodiments, the desiccant material filter is placed in theregeneration device for a threshold amount of time at a threshold heator threshold power setting. In some examples, the desiccant materialfilter is placed in a microwave oven for about 2-5 minutes at about800-1000 W. In some examples, the desiccant material filter is placed ina heating device (e.g., kitchen oven) for about 1-5 hours minutes atabout 200-300° F. In some embodiments, the desiccant material filterreceives heat and/or microwave energy until the desiccant materialfilter reaches a substantially dry state (e.g., until the desiccantmaterial filter provides a visual indication that it has reached asubstantially dry state by changing colors, based on sensor data such ashumidity data or temperature data in the regeneration device, etc.).

In some embodiments, the air purification device includes a regenerationcomponent (e.g., disposed in the housing, coupled to the housing) thatprovides the heat and/or microwave energy to regenerate the desiccantmaterial filter (e.g., the desiccant material filter is not removed fromthe housing to be regenerated).

In some embodiments, at block 410, the desiccant material filter isre-inserted into the cavity formed by the housing. After re-insertingthe desiccant material filter, the access component may be coupled tothe housing of the air purification device so that airflow through thehousing enters the inlet, passes through the cavity, and exits throughthe outlet (e.g., without exiting through the opening through which thedesiccant material filter was inserted into the cavity of the housing.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 500, accordingto certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 isa controller of an air purification device. In some embodiments, theprocessing device 502 is a controller of an air purification device. Insome embodiments, computer system 500 is a user device that communicateswith the air purification device (e.g., via the wireless component 148of the air purification device 100).

In some embodiments, computer system 500 is connected (e.g., via anetwork, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet,or the Internet) to other computer systems. In some embodiments,computer system 500 operates in the capacity of a server or a clientcomputer in a client-server environment, or as a peer computer in apeer-to-peer or distributed network environment. In some embodiments,computer system 500 is provided by a personal computer (PC), a tabletPC, a Set-Top Box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellulartelephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch orbridge, or any device capable of executing a set of instructions(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by thatdevice. Further, the term “computer” shall include any collection ofcomputers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets)of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

In a further aspect, the computer system 500 includes a processingdevice 502, a volatile memory 504 (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM)), anon-volatile memory 506 (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM) orElectrically-Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)), and a data storagedevice 516, which communicate with each other via a bus 508.

In some embodiments, processing device 502 is provided by one or moreprocessors such as a general purpose processor (such as, for example, aComplex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) microprocessor, a ReducedInstruction Set Computing (RISC) microprocessor, a Very Long InstructionWord (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor implementing other types ofinstruction sets, or a microprocessor implementing a combination oftypes of instruction sets) or a specialized processor (such as, forexample, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or anetwork processor).

In some embodiments, computer system 500 further includes a networkinterface device 522 (e.g., coupled to network 574). In someembodiments, computer system 500 also includes a video display unit 510(e.g., an LCD), an alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., a keyboard), acursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generationdevice 520.

In some implementations, data storage device 516 includes anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium 524 on which storeinstructions 526 encoding any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including instructions for implementing one or moreoperations of one or more methods described herein.

In some embodiments, instructions 526 also reside, completely orpartially, within volatile memory 504 and/or within processing device502 during execution thereof by computer system 500, hence, in someembodiments, volatile memory 504 and processing device 502 alsoconstitute machine-readable storage media.

While computer-readable storage medium 524 is shown in the illustrativeexamples as a single medium, the term “computer-readable storage medium”shall include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that storethe one or more sets of executable instructions. The term“computer-readable storage medium” shall also include any tangiblemedium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions forexecution by a computer that cause the computer to perform any one ormore of the methods described herein. The term “computer-readablestorage medium” shall include, but not be limited to, solid-statememories, optical media, and magnetic media.

In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features describedherein are implemented by discrete hardware components or are integratedin the functionality of other hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs,DSPs or similar devices. In some embodiments, the methods, components,and features are implemented by firmware modules or functional circuitrywithin hardware devices. In some embodiments, the methods, components,and features are implemented in any combination of hardware devices andcomputer program components, or in computer programs.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, terms such as “actuating,”“causing,” “inserting,” “removing,” “re-inserting,” “generating,”“providing,” “causing,” “determining,” “transmitting,” “receiving,” orthe like, refer to actions and processes performed or implemented bycomputer systems that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system registersand memories into other data similarly represented as physicalquantities within the computer system memories or registers or othersuch information storage, transmission or display devices. In someembodiments, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. asused herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elementsand do not have an ordinal meaning according to their numericaldesignation.

Examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for performing themethods described herein. In some embodiments, this apparatus isspecially constructed for performing the methods described herein, orincludes a general purpose computer system selectively programmed by acomputer program stored in the computer system. Such a computer programis stored in a computer-readable tangible storage medium.

Some of the methods and illustrative examples described herein are notinherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Insome embodiments, various general purpose systems are used in accordancewith the teachings described herein. In some embodiments, a morespecialized apparatus is constructed to perform methods described hereinand/or each of their individual functions, routines, subroutines, oroperations. Examples of the structure for a variety of these systems areset forth in the description above.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. Although the present disclosure has been described withreferences to specific illustrative examples and implementations, itwill be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to theexamples and implementations described. The scope of the disclosureshould be determined with reference to the following claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such asexamples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth in orderto provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, thatat least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knowncomponents or methods are not described in detail or are presented insimple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuringthe present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merelyexemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplarydetails and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The terms “over,” “under,” “between,” “disposed on,” and “on” as usedherein refer to a relative position of one material layer or componentwith respect to other layers or components. For example, one layerdisposed on, over, or under another layer may be directly in contactwith the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers.Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers may be directly incontact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers.Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposedbetween two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent featuresor may have one or more intervening layers.

The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as anexample, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described hereinas “example’ or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use ofthe words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in aconcrete fashion.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of thephrase “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments”in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term “or” is intendedto mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unlessspecified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” isintended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, ifX includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includesA or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition,the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singularform. Also, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. as usedherein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements andcan not necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numericaldesignation. When the term “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately”is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal valuepresented is precise within ±10%.

Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described ina particular order, the order of operations of each method may bealtered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse orderso that certain operations may be performed, at least in part,concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructionsor sub-operations of distinct operations may be in an intermittentand/or alternating manner.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding theabove description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air purification device comprising: a housingconfigured to house a desiccant material filter; and a fan coupled tothe housing and configured to cause airflow to pass through thedesiccant material filter, wherein moisture is to be collected from theairflow by the desiccant material filter, and wherein the moisture is tobe removed from the desiccant material filter via one or more of heat ormicrowave energy.
 2. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein themoisture comprises contaminants that are to be destroyed via the one ormore of heat or microwave energy.
 3. The air purification device ofclaim 1, wherein: the housing is configured to removably receive thedesiccant material filter in a cavity formed by the housing; themoisture is to be removed from the desiccant material filter via the oneor more of heat or microwave energy subsequent to the desiccant materialfilter being removed from the housing; and the desiccant material filteris configured to be re-inserted in the cavity of the housing responsiveto the moisture being removed via the one or more of heat or microwaveenergy.
 4. The air purification device of claim 1 further comprising aregeneration component coupled to the housing to provide the one or moreof heat or microwave energy to remove the moisture from the desiccantmaterial filter while the desiccant material filter is disposed in thehousing.
 5. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein the airpurification device is configured to be placed in a regeneration deviceto cause the one or more of heat or microwave energy to be provided tothe air purification device to remove the moisture from the desiccantmaterial filter.
 6. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein: theair purification device is portable and the housing is configured to bedisposed on a substantially horizontal surface; or the air purificationdevice is configured to be mounted on a substantially vertical surface.7. The air purification device of claim 1, wherein: the air purificationdevice is configured to at least partially cover a face of a user; theairflow is to be provided from ambient air, through the desiccantmaterial filter, and to the user; and second airflow is to be providedfrom the user and to the ambient air without passing through thedesiccant material filter.
 8. The air purification device of claim 1,wherein the desiccant material filter comprises: a handling featureconfigured to be secured to remove the desiccant material filter fromthe housing and to insert the desiccant material filter into thehousing; an enclosure coupled to the handling feature; and one or moreof silica gel or a polyacrylate disposed in the enclosure, wherein thedesiccant material filter is configured to be placed in a microwave ovento receive microwave energy.
 9. The air purification device of claim 1,wherein: at least a portion of the desiccant material filter isconfigured to be a first color in a substantially dry state and to be asecond color in a substantially saturated state; and the at least aportion of the desiccant material filter is at least partially viewablefrom outside of the housing to provide a visual indication of saturationof the desiccant material filter.
 10. The air purification device ofclaim 1 further comprising a humidifier component, wherein a humiditylevel of the airflow is to be increased via the humidifier componentsubsequent to passing through the desiccant material filter.
 11. The airpurification device of claim 10 further comprising a filtrationcomponent to destroy contaminants in the humidifier component.
 12. Theair purification device of claim 1 further comprising an ionizingcomponent, wherein the airflow is to be ionized via the ionizingcomponent subsequent to passing through the desiccant material filter.13. A system comprising: an air purification device comprising a housingforming an inlet, a cavity, and an outlet, that are fluidly coupled; anda desiccant material filter configured to be removably inserted in thecavity formed by the housing, wherein airflow is to enter the airpurification device via the inlet, pass through the desiccant materialfilter disposed in the cavity, and exit the air purification device viathe outlet, wherein moisture is to be collected from the airflow by thedesiccant material filter, and wherein the moisture is to be removedfrom the desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwaveenergy responsive to the desiccant material filter being removed fromthe air purification device.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein themoisture comprises contaminants that are to be destroyed via the one ormore of heat or microwave energy.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein:the air purification device is portable and the housing is configured tobe disposed on a substantially horizontal surface; or the airpurification device is configured to be mounted on a substantiallyvertical surface.
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein: the airpurification device is configured to at least partially cover a face ofa user; the airflow is to be provided from ambient air, through thedesiccant material filter, and to the user; and second airflow is to beprovided from the user and to the ambient air without passing throughthe desiccant material filter.
 17. A method comprising: actuating a fancoupled to housing of an air purification device to provide airflowthrough a desiccant material filter disposed in a cavity formed by thehousing, wherein moisture is to be collected from the airflow by thedesiccant material filter; and causing the moisture to be removed fromthe desiccant material filter via one or more of heat or microwaveenergy.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: prior to theactuating of the fan, inserting the desiccant material filter in thecavity formed by the housing of an air purification device; subsequentto the actuating of the fan, removing the desiccant material filter fromthe cavity of the housing of the air purification device, wherein themoisture is to be removed from the desiccant material filter via the oneor more of heat or microwave energy responsive to the desiccant materialfilter being removed from the air purification device; and responsive tothe moisture being removed from the desiccant material filter,re-inserting the desiccant material filter into the cavity formed by thehousing.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the causing of the moistureto be removed further comprises causing contaminants disposed in themoisture to be destroyed via the one or more of heat or microwaveenergy.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the causing of the moistureto be removed from the desiccant material filter comprises placing thedesiccant material filter in a regeneration device to provide the one ormore of heat or microwave energy to the desiccant material filter.